Why is this Idaho library 18 and over?

In July, Idaho House Bill 710 went into effect. This means parents can file a complaint against a library for obscene materials. The library then has 60 days to move the material to an “adults only” section. If they don’t, the library could face a lawsuit or a $250 penalty. Now the problem here is the Donnelly Public Library is so small, it’s impossible to comply. #Idaho #library #books #booktube #booktok #booklover

[S.Waters.]

One of the libraries I take my children to has a sign at the circulation desk that says it is the responsibility of parents to know what their children are checking out from the library.

[El-Comment--or]

Just a hint, this has nothing to do with protecting kids!

[ZanyCat]

According to this criteria, the Bible would belong in the "adult only" section, and the library could get sued for allowing kids to read it

[Kelly_Ben]

When I was 8, and already an avid reader, I pulled a book off the shelf with a horse on the cover. Turns out it was a historical romance. Catherine Coulter, Midsummer Magic. I begged and begged my mom to let me read it. She finally gave in... and that was the start of my love for historical romance. I read more voraciously than before, and learned so much... about history, love, and writing/Grammer. I understood menstruation and secccs without needing "the talk", though my mom still gave them. Is 8 a little early for the spicy stuff? Sure, but I'm now a happily married business owner, who loves reading/ writing. Thanks romance novels!! Can we please not infringe on individual rights, and leave it to the parents to parent?

[May-ntow]

The fact people & kids WANT to be there says it is a good & positive place. The library was for me too.

[dexter]

The fact is, the bill makes it so even a dictionary could be seen as violating this dumb law.

[biblesforbreakfast]

Willing to bet that the people who passed this law don't even use libraries.

[oftheMarias]

Being protected from the library….crazy. As a kid who moved around a lot, the library was the only place I ever felt completely safe and like home.

12/18/24 EDIT: Oh wow! Certainly a big talking point I see.

The “safe” component for me was that libraries were always the same regardless of what city or state I was in. I always knew what to expect & it always felt safe for me.

Libraries also provide lots of resources to the communities they serve. Hence them trying to always appeal to the public…public libraries + public funding. Which also comes w restrictions on how that money can be used, but I digress. Libraries were consistently a safe place for me with safe and friendly people. This has been the case for me for several decades. I also love that I get to share the magic of libraries with my children. It’s not only about books. It’s a place with computers & internet (some ppl still don’t have those), study rooms, community sessions for toddlers, little kids, teens, and elders alike…think tech, gaming, crafting. My mayor even holds a monthly meet the mayor event at our library.
And yes some books are not age appropriate but that’s why they have separate sections. If it’s the content that’s concerning, then again it’s up to the parent to…parent. Not all things apply to me or are for me, but it could used by someone else. Such the purpose of a public library, a collection of varies books with a variety of topics. Point being, support your local library.

[RhoDesia-grwb]

Did the “ kids have to wait in the two teepees outside “ come out of nowhere to anyone else or just me

[clemjoke]

Best way to get a kid to read a book is to tell him he can't read it.

[baqaqipekhebi]

We are making America stupid! Please vote for people who encourage children to read and self educate!

[ninnusridhar]

Let's also not forget that 90% of book ban requests are from a very small group of people who don't try to ban books in towns they don't even live in

[kelmp]

When I was 8 I tried to read Hamlet and asked my mother what ‘prostitute’ meant. She didn’t let me finish the book, but it doesn’t have any actual sex in it or any more sexual references. She was just uncomfortable. (This is why I was so grateful to have older siblings)

[edwardjennings]

"Your honor, all I did was open an animal encyclopedia"

EDIT: will you people stop using my replies as a verbal battlefield

[dougdavis]

Idaho is one of the least educated states so apparently no one is going into the library.

[tippispacelord]

The library is a dangerous place. Might mess around and end up educated. Then you may just start to question things, and we can't have that.

[BlueBean...]

The Camp Half Blood banner makes me very happy that it’s there but very sad that some of the books in the series can’t be accessed by kids because of Nico and Will 😢

[Rachel-loif]

It's awful. Not to mention, a lot of books they like to ban are books that teach kids to recognize and report the abusive behavior of the book banners

[Ebobster]

Idaho is not known as an educational powerhouse or any academic distinction… & now you know why.

[danielblair]

Let's be clear: this was never about protecting anyone. This has always been about asserting control.